Help! First Time Cruiser

[62travelDisney]

Hi All!

We are Disney lovers and DVC members and are about to take our 4 kids cruising on the Eastern Magic for the 1st time. We know nothing about cruising generally, or specifically, what not to miss on this cruise. I don't know where to start!? Does anyone have some must-do, must-see suggestions? Thanks!

 

[prymsu]

i just sent you some info per your pm.

 

[FantasticDisFamily]

but you've come to the right place! Check out trip reports, ask questions as they occur to you and you'll end up with a wonderful trip.

Deb

 

[jrabbit]

First you gotta decide on the type of room you want. With six of you (I assume DH,DW & 4 kids) you will want two rooms. If you feel like you need a veranda, you could book 2 rooms accross the hall form each other (save some $). You can save a LOT of money by getting two inside rooms (They are not terrible, we've stayed in them several times). The cat 8 & 9 rooms have portholes and are a litte more expensive than the inside rooms. On deck 5 there are 6 cat 10 (inside) rooms that have partially obstructed portholes. We refer to these as the Secret Port Hole rooms (SPH). The biggest problem with these are that they are not so secret anymore, they get booked quickly because they are a really good deal.

Whats not to be missed? Dinners, they are terrific!! The shows are fabulous. The kids usually love the club, lab and common grounds (age based). THe adults love the "Adult Education Series" - the Art of Entertainment (about the shows and performers), the Navigator Series (about the making and operations of the Magic) and the Art of Entertaining (about cooking, napkin folding, drink mixing, ice carving, table decorating etc). There is also the wine tasting that takes place around the ship (extra cost, adults only).

For us brunch at Palo on sea days is a not to be missed meal. The food is varied, plentiful and excellent. Oh yea, the service is great. And don't miss the lemon merangue pie for dessert at brunch - it's like no other!!

The cabarette shows and the game shows that are scattered throughout the evening are always a lot of fun.

St. Maarten is great for a beach day. The snorkelling can be iffy there because the wind kicks up the sand and makes visibility poor. Go to a beach on your own (cabs are waiting at the pier) - its a lot cheaper than DCL beach excursions and you are on your own schedule. Go somewhere other than Great Bay (where the Magic parks). A fun excursion here is the Golden Eagle Catamaran. Its a day of sailing, snokeling and beach party (a 3 in 1 trip).

On St Thomas, do an excursion to St. John's because they snorkeling there is terrific. I don't think you can go wrong there.

You got questions, we got answers.

 

[Leeannb11]

Jrabbit,
Have you been on the Golden Eagle? Was the snorkelling decent and could you explain the trip in a little more detail? Our family of six is booked on this in about 4 weeks. My dh and I plan on doing Palos for brunch on my b-day and are hoping we can have dinner and see the evening show as a family each night but the kids may decide different Also if anyone has any info on rooms 6137 and 6139 I would appreciate it

Lee Ann

 

[DisneyDreamer8]

First of all...enjoy yourself...don't feel like you have to do and see everything.

Read your Navigator...it will be in your room every night and will tell you the activities going on the next day. Don't be afraid to ask the Castmembers for help or information...they are very friendly.

In St. Marraten, we did the Under Two Flags tour then walked the main street with all the shops. But I saw quite a few people just enjoying the beautiful beach.

St. Thomas we took a catamaran to St. John and went snorkeling and that was very cool!!

But it was also nice just to lounge around on Deck 4 and read or even take a nap.

Hope this helps a little...just enjoy yourself!!!

 

[62travelDisney]

Thank you all so much for your replies, I am learning so much and am so thrilled to have stumbled upon this board. Do ressies need to be made for the Palo brunch? It sounds great! Love hearing all of your ideas and experiences. Kids are 11, 9 (boys) and 6, 4 (girls) Hubby and I are turning 40 (ouch~!!)

 

[Dave_from_Marietta]

Here is my standard "newbie" advice...

www.dcltribute.com/faq/newbieadvice.htm

 

[jrabbit]

I have not experienced the Golden Eagle first hand. But everyone I've talked to really enjoy it. The snorkeling can be good or not so good. When the cat. sails back in to the harbor, everyone is dancing, singing and partying - just trying to make the rest of us feel jelous (and they do a good job of it).

Ressies for Palo brunch - yep!! Don't miss it. It is one of the highlights of our cruise!!

And 40 isn't so painful. Enjoy it!! What's painful is when your kids start getting taller than you. DS took a while to catch up to his mom, and now is growing like a weed - he looks down on her and is rapidly approaching my height. Other kids have a ways to go yet.